MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

Purpose: Obesity is a risk factor for sepsis complications in older adults. We assessed the impact of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUHO) on outcomes in septic shock. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis using the National Inpatient Sample (2016-2020) to identify a cohort of 1,737,075 patients aged 65 years and older who were hospitalized with septic shock, as defined by ICD-10 diagnosis codes. Obese patients without hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia were classified as MHO; those with ≥1 risk factor as MUHO. Baseline demographics and hospital characteristics were compared using χ² and Mann-Whitney U tests. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, race, comorbidity index, and hospital factors estimated odds ratios (ORs) for respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation, in-hospital mortality, and cardiac arrest. Secondary endpoints included length of stay (LOS) and hospitalization cost. Results: Among 268 050 obese patients, 23 915 (1.4%) were classified as MHO and 244 135 (14.1%) as MUHO. Both phenotypes were more prevalent in females and least common among Asian patients. MHO prevalence was highest among Native Americans, while MUHO was most common among Hispanics in 2020. From 2016 to 2019, the prevalence of both phenotypes remained stable, with modest increases observed during the 2020 sepsis surge. Respiratory failure occurred most frequently in the MHO group (∼70%), followed by MUHO (∼65%) and non-obese patients (∼60%). After adjusting for confounders, both MHO and MUHO groups had higher odds of respiratory failure and mechanical ventilation compared to non-obese patients. In-hospital mortality increased across all groups in 2020; however, MUHO patients had lower adjusted mortality risk. Cardiac arrest rates remained unchanged, while length of stay and hospitalization costs were highest among MHO patients. Conclusions: MHO and MUHO both confer higher respiratory failure and ventilation risk; lower mortality in MUHO warrants further study.Clinical ImplicationsPhenotypic obesity classification may improve sepsis risk stratification and inform metabolic-specific management.

BackgroundHyperglycemia is a complication of parenteral nutrition (PN), which can be exacerbated in patients with obesity. Limited data exist on glycemic control in this population. This study aims to evaluate the association of obesity and body mass index (BMI) classification with glycemic control in patients who are critically ill initiated receiving PN.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of patients who are critically ill receiving PN from January 2013 to February 2024. The primary outcome was glycemic control in patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 or BMI < 30 kg/m2 based on hyperglycemic episodes, peak blood glucose, and insulin requirements on the first and second days of therapy. Multivariate analyses were conducted for the occurrence of a hyperglycemic episode. The secondary outcome was to determine the association of BMI classification with glycemic control.ResultsThe study included 220 patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (n = 91) and BMI < 30 kg/m2 (n = 129). The BMI < 30 kg/m2 group received more total dextrose (1.58 vs 2.36 mg/kg/min; P < 0.0001). There was no difference in the primary outcome during day 1 of PN, but there were increased hyperglycemic episodes (P = 0.0478) and insulin requirements in the BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 group on day 2 (P = 0.0226). The only difference in the secondary outcome was insulin requirements on day 2 (P = 0.0453).ConclusionPatients who are critically ill with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 receiving PN received more conservative dextrose infusion rates yet experienced more hyperglycemic episodes and required more insulin on day 2. However, obesity and BMI classification were not independently associated with hyperglycemic episodes within the first 2 days of PN initiation.

Serratia species are gram-negative bacilli causing opportunistic and nosocomial infections, often in patients who are immunocompromised. A 61-year-old man with severe asthma receiving dupilumab presented with fever and chills. A chest computed tomography scan revealed bilateral cavitary lesions suggestive of necrotizing pneumonia. Bronchoalveolar lavage grew Serratia marcescens, and he was treated with prolonged antibiotics. Serratia marcescens should be considered in necrotizing pneumonia, even in patients who are immunocompetent, with dupilumab potentially as the inciting factor.

The prevalence of intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) in the United States is 5.74 per 1000 live births. In Maryland, the prevalence is 6.75 per 1000 and occurs nearly twice as frequently in Black than in white populations. At MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center (MFSMC), Electronic Medical Records (EMR) show that IUFDs are 2.5 times greater in Black than white women. This analysis aims to identify factors that contribute to this health disparity. We performed a retrospective chart review of deliveries at MFSMC between 2018 and 2020. Literature-supported variables were collected for all pregnancies that ended in IUFD. Using logistic regression models, these factors were analyzed to isolate predictors for IUFD and association with race. The same predictors were compared to those of women who delivered live infants during this period. Without adjustment, the odds of having an IUFD are 2.21 times higher for Black mothers than for white mothers at MFSMC. No other unadjusted odds ratios between comorbid risk factors and the chance of IUFD were significant. After adjusting for diabetes, growth restriction, substance abuse, and hypertension, the odds of having an IUFD are 2.31 times higher for Black than white mothers. Black mothers experience increased risk for IUFD, after controlling for other pertinent factors. This disparity should be addressed by reducing healthcare provider bias, increasing maternal health services, and providing comprehensive patient education.

Introduction: Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) is a rare entity consisting of tumors called gastrinomas in the stomach, pancreas, and duodenum. It usually presents with symptoms of acid hyper secretion including abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting and can be misdiagnosed as peptic ulcer disease, hiatal hernia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Case Presentation: We report a case of ZES presenting duodenal perforation and later mimicking a hiatal hernia. This case highlights a complex presentation and underscores the importance of thorough evaluation, multidisciplinary management, and including rare diagnosis in the differential. Our patient presented to the hospital with nausea, back pain, and abdominal pain, and imaging demonstrated a perforated duodenum which was managed with surgical repair. Following surgery, the patient continued to have worsening nausea and acid reflux which was deemed to be due to a hiatal hernia noted on prior imaging until an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed which confirmed the diagnosis of ZES. Conclusion: Our case emphasizes the importance and necessity of doing an EGD in a timely fashion to ensure that a diagnosis of rare ZES is not missed.